Guam Department of Education broadens weapons definition

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is attempting to enhance safety measures by broadening its definition of weapons now to include ammunition, pepper spray, and tasers. 

The amendment follows a recent incident at Agueda Johnston Middle School, where a bullet was found in a portable toilet. 

Students who are now found with or using these newly classified weapons will face an immediate 10-day suspension. 

It’s an initiative championed by the newly elected Guam Education Board (GEB) Vice-Chair and Chairman of the GEB’s Safe and Healthy Schools Committee, Angel Sablan. 

“I’m thankful that the superintendent finally came out. Because I said, you got to put something out. Does it go as far as I want it to go? I don’t think so– because it only talks about students. What about visitors, what about parents, what about even the staff? We need to have a policy for them, too,” Sablan said. 

And while he said the effort is a step in the right direction, there are grey areas that still need ironing out. 

Sablan said, “Even if we tell children–we tell kids, don’t bring guns–don’t bring this stuff to school–what about if they do? We have to have an educational program that says these are the consequences you’re going to face if you do it.” 

Students are also up for the possibility of additional suspension days and even expulsion under the new policy but some community members, like former GDOE employee Joe Cruz, are seemingly jaded when it comes to the matter. 

He said, “They’re still gonna bring it no matter how you see it. Even if you say no contraband, they’re still gonna bring it. You see them bring cigarettes, bringing in a vape, bringing in whatever they want, so that’s the bottom line.” 

Still, education officials like Sablan continue to look at the problem from all sides, wanting also to center student’s mental state and implement cameras and metal detectors at schools to coincide with policy. 

The idea sat well with Madeline Campion, who’s visiting from the states.  

Campion said, “I agree with the metal detectors, yes. I’m from the states, and I know there’s a lot of shootings there, and I would agree that metal detectors are important–especially in the high schools.” 

The Vice GEB Chair said it’s an element he’d like to see reflected in the upcoming budget.